To the editor:

My name is Sheilah Sullivan. I’ve lived in Marion for over 30 years, raised my two kids here and had the remarkable privilege of teaching at Old Rochester Regional High School for 25 years.

Teachers, counselors and school staff often have a unique perspective into the lives of our young people. It’s not uncommon for us to develop insights into the unmet needs outside of the school day that impact our students’ abilities to thrive inside the school building.

In 2010, my family and I established a nonprofit for the sole purpose of providing emergency financial assistance for students and families at ORRHS and ORRJHS. It’s called “William’s Fund” after my father.

Confidential referrals for assistance are made by the school social workers. The district does not benefit financially in any way.

William’s Fund provides assistance for hardships that arise unexpectedly and impact a student’s well being — oil deliveries and utility bills, gift cards for groceries and clothing, bedding and supplies for emergency camping or short-term housing, etc.

Last year alone, we distributed almost $30,000 in emergency assistance.

To date, we’ve been able to rely on word of mouth for support from individual community members like you. But at this time, our fund is nearly depleted and we are turning to the wider community for help.

Will you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help our students have the resources they need to thrive in school? We are 100% volunteer-run. That means 100% of your donation goes directly to students and their families.

If you’d like more specifics about the fund, please email me at shesullivan@gmail.com. To make a secure online donation, visit www.orrwilliamsfund.org. To make a donation via check, please make it out to William’s Fund, Inc. and mail to Sheilah Sullivan 39 Lewis St., Marion, MA 02738.

A letter with necessary information for tax-deductible donations is provided.

Thank you so much for your help supporting the young people we care so deeply about. And a big thank you to the teachers and staff at ORR/ORRJHS for their work.

Sheilah Sullivan